The Calvin Ball

Bulletin

District Two

January 2015 Edition

Welcome!
The holidays have arrived and what a
wonderful time to spend with family
and friends! As you plan your break, I
wanted to share this newsletter which
highlights upcoming events and ways to
get and stay involved throughout the
year. I will also be posting updates when
available to my FB page so I encourage
you to Like me to stay informed or
register for updates through
NotifyMeHoward.

Inside this issue:

Know of any upcoming events youd
like to see highlighted here? Please
email me the details to
cbball@howardcountymd.gov.
If you are not already registered to
receive this newsletter, email
subscribe to
cbball@howardcountymd.gov and I will
be happy to add you to our distribution
list!

Dr. Calvin Ball, District 2

Happy Holidays!
While you enjoy a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Howard County Government announces the following closings:
Government Offices Closed December 25-January 2
HCPSS Schools/Offices Closed December 24-January 2
Senior Centers
Closed December 25-January 2
County Parks
OPEN BUT NOT STAFFED Thurs, December 25; Open Friday, December 26 through Fri, January 2
Historic Sites
Closed December 25 thru January 2
Meadowbrook
Closed December 24 (Closing at 12pm), December 25, December 28 & Thurs, January 1. OPEN ONLY FOR
Athletic Complex
PERMITTED EVENTS December 26, 27, 29-31 and Fri, January 2
Trash/Recycling
No pickup December 25 or January 1; Normal scheduled pick-up December 24 & 31 Slide schedule in effect
Collection
December 26 & 27 and January 2 & 3
Landfill
Closed December 25 & January 1; Open Limited Hours, 8am-2pm December 24; Open Regular Hours, 8am-4pm
December 26-27, 29-31 and January 2-3
Courts
Closed December 25 & 26 and January 1 & 2; Open Thurs, December 24 & 31
Animal Shelter
Closed December 25-27 and January 1; Open December 24, 29-31 and January 2 & Tues, December 31
CMRT/Hwd Transit No Service December 25 & January 1; Regular Services December 24, 26-31 and January 2

FREE Home Repairs!

MIHU Open Enrollment

Merry Mulch Program

Symphony of Lights

HC Restaurant Weeks

Sister Cities HS
Exchange Program

Civility in Sports
Contest

Leadership U

Evening in the Stacks

Starlicious Talent Show

Guide to Giving

For a complete list of openings and closings, including a link to our slide schedule, click here or call 410-313-6444. For Howard Transit, call 1800-270-9553. The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24hrs/day, 7 days/wk. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for nonemergencies, please call 410-313-2200. County offices will re-open at regular business hours on January 5.

Rebuilding Together Howard County Offers FREE Home Repairs!

Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Howard County work to repair homes for low-income homeowners and their families. All types of
FREE repairs are provided to include plumbing, electrical, carpentry, new appliance installation, painting, and the list goes on! A simple
application is all you need to apply. Call 410-381-3338 or go online to get your application. Since 1992, over 700 Howard County homes
have been repaired free of charge. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2014.

Countys MIHU Now Accepting Applications Apply Today!!

Looking for affordable housing in Howard County? Howard County Housing will begin accepting applications for the
January open enrollment period for the Countys Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program on January 5, 2014.
The enrollment period ends January 31st. This program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new
housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent a percentage of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income
and at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.
For more info, contact Howard County Housings Homeownership Division at 410-313-6318 and select option 4 or visit
their MIHU website.
1

Merry Mulch Your Holiday Trees!

As the holiday nears, HC Government wants to remind residents to keep your tree out of the landfill through a variety of FREE
Christmas tree recycling options are available through the Countys Merry Mulch program. All collected trees are delivered to a compost
facility and recycled into compost and mulch and will begin Friday, December 26 through Friday, January 16. Christmas trees may also
be recycled 7 days/week, 7:30am-5pm, at:
Clarksville:
Columbia:
Elkridge:
Ellicott City:
Highland:
Marriottsville:
Savage:
Woodbine:

Kendall Hardware, 12260 Route 108 and River Hill Garden Center, 12165 Route 108
Cedar Lane Park, 5081 Cedar Lane and Grandfather's Garden Center, 5320 Phelps Luck Drive
Rockburn Park, 5400 Landing Road
Small Circuit Court parking lot on upper Court House Drive (past Ellicott Mills Drive, on the right)
Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road
Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area, 2350 Marriottsville Road (M-Sat 8-4pm)
Savage Park, 8400 Fair Street
Western Regional Park, 14800 Carrs Mill Road

Residents with curbside yard trim collection may set their trees out on their collection day through January 16. Trees will not be picked
up on trash collection days. All decorations, including tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, etc. must be removed.
Trees must also be cut into less than four foot lengths and tied; they do not need to be bagged. Each bundle must weigh less than 40lbs.
After January 17, residents may continue to bring their Christmas trees to the Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area open M-Sat 8am4pm. Please, no plastic bags. After January 17, trees will be collected as trash if put out on trash day. Artificial Christmas trees and
wreaths with metal components can be recycled year-round in the scrap metal area at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents Convenience
Area. For more info, click here.

The Symphony of Lights is a spectacular display of 70 larger-than-life, animated and stationary light creations. It is a
treasured community tradition and a must-see during the holiday season. Driving through, enjoy a beautiful 20-30
minute display of holiday light creations, illuminated by a fantasy of color, design & animation. Delightful for all ages!
This spectacular event runs through Sunday, January 4, 2015. Open 6 days/week, Wed-Mon 6-10pm including
holidays. CLOSED on Tuesdays & December 31st for Midnight at 7 event. Cost is $20/car (up to 8 seats).

Celebrate culinary culture in Howard County during our annual Restaurant Weeks! Beginning January 19, 2015 through February 2,
2015, residents can visit local restaurants and sample house specialties. For details on participating locations, select menus and much
more, go online.

17th Annual Holiday Train Display!

The Department will hold its 17th annual holiday train display through January 4 (closed December 25). WedFri 6:30-8:30pm and Sat-Sun 11am-8:30pm at the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department, Station #2, 4150
Montgomery Rd in Ellicott City. Admission is FREE but donations are welcome. New, unwrapped toys for
needy children are being collected Dec 6-22 and can be dropped off at the Train Garden or any HC Fire Station.
To schedule a group tour, call 410-313-2036. OPEN Christmas Eve 11am-4pm. CLOSED Christmas Day; OPEN
New Years Eve and Day 11am-8:30pm.

CAs Summer Sister Cities HS Exchange Program!

Interested in learning about CAs annual summer Sister Cities High School Exchange program? An information
session will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7pm at CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia.
Applicants must be HS students residing in Howard County and must have completed level 3 of French or Spanish by
the end of the current academic year or have equivalent language fluency.
The program fee is $700/Columbia residents and $850/non-Columbia residents, excluding airfare. Application
deadline is February 20, 2015. To apply, visit CAs website and for more info, call 410-715-3162 or email
international@columbiaassociation.org.

Civility in Sports Poster Contest!

Students are invited to design a poster illustrating the recent 2014 Choose Civility Symposium theme, Civility in
Sports. Use your imagination, creativity and artistic talent to show others why its important to be a good sport.
Start by asking yourself: What does it mean to be a good sport? Why is it important? How does the way people act
during sports events affect you, your family, and your friends? Now design a poster with a message that will
encourage others to choose civility in sports!
Groups or individual students in K-12 who live or attend school in Howard County are invited to submit entries.
Entries are accepted January 5-March 1, 2015. There will be awards for the top winners. For details, go online or
call 410-730-0075 or email monica.herber@columbiaassociation.org

Leadership U Accepting Applications for Class of 2015!

Calling all students - Leadership U is open to high school sophomores (or equivalents who are home-schooled) who live in Howard
County. Students may attend public or private school, or be home-schooled. Students must have a desire to learn about their community
and a willingness to volunteer. LU is a great way to meet new people from different schools who share similar interests in knowing more
about their community, and who want to make a positive impact.
Those interested are invited to attend a FREE information session to learn more: Wednesday, January 28 (Central Library); Monday,
February 9 (Miller Library); and Tuesday, February 24 (Central Library). All sessions are 7-8pm. Application deadline is March 12, 2015.
For more details, go online.

ACA Open Enrollment Has Begun!

Residents who qualify for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have until February 15, 2015 to apply or re-enroll. Go
online to create an account or call Marylands Connections Consumer Support Center at 1-855-642-8572.
Know your options. Call 410-313-7392 or email ship@howardcountymd.gov to register or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/SHIP for a
complete schedule of enrollment events.

Evening in the Stacks!

You are cordially invited for a sparking evening as the Howard County Library System celebrates 75 years of excellence
in education! Enjoy live music, an online advance auction and silent auction on site, cocktails and dancing with your
friends and neighbors. This event will be held Saturday, February 28, 2015 7-11pm at the Charles E. Miller Branch &
Historical Center, 9421 Frederick Rd in Ellicott City. Tickets are $125 (before January 31), $140 beginning February 1 st.
Cocktail attire and black tie optional. Additional details available online.

Downtown Columbia Arts & Culture Commission Accepting 2014 Grant Applications!
The Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission has begun accepting 2015 grants applications! Grants are available to non-forprofit arts and cultural organizations that present or produce in Downtown Columbia, are for project support only and are expected to
support activities in the fiscal year theyre awarded. Online grant applications will remain open until the grantmaking budget for the
year has been exhausted and all applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Commissions Board of Directors. For more
details or if you have questions, email ColumbiaMDarts@gmail.com or go online.

CAs Starlicious Talent Show!

The best young talents in Howard County are invited to take stage and be showcased at Columbia Associations (CA) 3rd annual
Starlicious Talent Show! Singers dancers, musicians and other performers between the ages of 7 and 13 can audition on one of two
dates: Thursday, January 8th 6-7pm and Wednesday, January 14th 6-7pm both at Columbia Gym, 6151 Daylong Lane in the River Hill
Village Center. Auditions are open to the general public; however, space is limited so performers are strongly encouraged to preregister for an audition date/time by calling 410-715-3169 or emailing Mellisa.Capo@ColumbiaAssociation.org.
Finalists move on to the Starlicious Talent Show Friday, February 6th 6-9pm. It will be a night with and for the stars with several special
features such as a halftime show, Hollywood swag bag giveaways, door prizes, a Fan Club merchandise booth, a VIP booth, a red
carpet photo booth and food and beverages available for purchase. Tickets to the finale are $10/adults, $5/kids or $25/family of four.

Holiday Guide to Giving!

Looking for a way to give back this holiday season as a volunteer or as a donor? Look no further than the Holiday
Guide to Giving 2014, featuring the holiday needs of 30+ local nonprofit agencies! Before you, your family or your
business begin collecting items, check the guide to see what is on the wish lists of local agencies! Opportunities range
from raking leaves, wrapping presents, delivering meals and holiday visits to donating food, gifts, clothing and gift
cards.

Further Your Education Apply to HCC Today!

Looking to further your education? Howard Community College invites you to register for winter and spring
classes! View the schedule of classes for both credit and noncredit classes and act fact, winter session begins
Friday, January 2, 2015 and spring session starts Monday, January 26, 2015.
Dont let the cost of college stand in your way! Apply now for the new, need-based Pathway Scholarship.
Created exclusively for Howard County residents, the Pathway Scholarship was made possible by the
generosity of the County Government. The steps to apply are easy: 1. Become a Howard County resident; 2.
Apply to of currently attend HCC; and 3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Spotlight on Village Events!

Oakland Mills 2015 Upcoming Events:
Channel Your Inner Geezer: Dont Get Mad, Get to Work
Are you looking for a career change, but dont know where to begin? Channel Your Inner Geezer: Dont Get Mad, Get to Work, a 4 part workshop
will get you started. Janet Ruck, Certified Job and Career Transition Coach, will be instructing the workshop for individuals 50 and older. The 4 sessions
will be as follows and for the most successful experience, please plan on attending all 4 workshops:
January 14, 2015, 10am to noon Job Searching
January 21, 2015, 10am to noon Networking, Your Resume and Social Media
January 28, 2015, 10am to noon Interview Dos and Donts
February 4, 2015, 10am to noon Putting it all together and Moving Forward
All workshops will take place at The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place. They are FREE, but registration is required. Please call 410-730-4610 or email
events@oaklandmills.org for more information or to register.
FREE Community Clothing Drive Distribution Saturday, January 17th 9am-2pm and Sunday, January 18th 11am-2:30pm.
Do you know someone who is in need? The CA YTC Teen Outreach Committee will be holding their annual Clothing event at The Barn. Everything
(shoes,, hats, coats, shirts, pants, purses, socks etc.) for the entire family is FREE!

Long Reach 2015 Upcoming Events:

Animal Shelter Extravaganza Friday, February 6th 11am-2pm
Schools are closed, so enjoy the afternoon with family and friends making pet toys for the animals at the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption
Center. A Howard County Control Officer will also be on-site with some of the animals available for adoption. For more info, call 410-730-8113.
Columbia Art Center Schools Out Artsy Fun Day
When Howard County public schools are out, come to the Columbia Art Center for an amazing day of creative fun! Go home with an exciting project
every day. Full day, 7:30-5:30pm, $50/child for grades 1-8. To register call 410-730-0075 or email ColumbiaArtCenter@ColumbiaAssociation.org
My Spanish Academy
My Spanish Academy is offering a fun way to learn Spanish from a native Spanish speaker & experienced teacher. Songs, crafts, dance, music & more!
For ages 2-12 50 or 75 minute classes available Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm or Tuesday & Thursdays 6:30pm-7:20pm.

Support the Silas Craft Collegians Program!

The Howard Community College Educational Foundation and the Hunan Manor Restaurant cordially invite you to
our annual gourmet Chinese buffet to benefit the Silas Craft Collegians Scholarship Endowment. The dinner buffet will
be served continuously on Monday, March 9th from 5-8pm at the Hunan Manor Restaurant in Columbia. Tickets are
$45/person and the Silas Craft Collegians Endowment receives 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales to the event.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call the HCC development office at 443-518-1970.

Money Matters Fair!

MakingChange will host the Money Matters Fair on Saturday, March 14, 2015, from 10am-1pm at Long Reach
High School. Free activities for the entire family will focus on such issues as living within your means, college
funding options, preparing for retirement and caring for aging parents. Activities for children ages 12-18 and
their parents will include an interactive financial simulation designed to show how career, education and
spending choices impact success. More information is available online.
4

What to Know if You See Snow?

Now that the weather is changing, here are some helpful hints and reminders courtesy of Howard Countys Department of Public Works:
Getting Plowed In
Tired of getting snowed in by the snow plows? If possible, wait to shovel the end of your driveway until the plows pass. Or try clearing a pocket
next to your driveway along the shoulder or curb about the length of a parking space ahead of your driveway. When the plow passes, the angle of
the snow blade will naturally dump most of the load in the pocket instead of your driveway.
Cars Parked on Public Streets
Parked cars are one of the biggest challenges of our snow crews. County residential streets are plowed one time per snowstorm. Once the county
crews clear the snow off your street, they will not return to plow your street a second time. Please park your cars in driveways and off public streets
so plows can clear as much snow as possible.
Cars Parked in Cul-de-Sacs
County truck drivers cannot safely push the snow in cul-de-sacs where cars are parked. Rather than risk damaging county or private vehicles, the
driver will leave and come back later after he finishes the rest of his route.
Guard Against Flooding
Uncover and clear area around fire hydrants and storm drain inlets. If snow melts and rainwater cant flow away, it could cause street icing and
basement flooding. After large snow storms, water main breaks may occur. If you see large volumes of water flowing down the street, it could be a
water main break. This should be reported to the Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900, which is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Clearing Your Sidewalks
It is the duty and obligation of the owner of property abutting a sidewalk in a public right-of-way to remove snow from the sidewalk within 48
hours after the snow has fallen. (Howard County Code, Section 18.402(h). If you are willing to help remove snow for seniors or physically disabled
individuals in your neighborhood, please call the Office on Aging Maryland Access Point at 410-313-5980 to volunteer for the Snow Patrol Program.
Your thoughtfulness can make a big difference to someone who might otherwise be unable to cope. If you need assistance with snow removal and
are 60 or older, or younger than 60 with a physical disability, and a resident of Howard County, you may register as a Snow Patrol client. New clients
are put on a waiting list and are contacted only if a Snow Patrol volunteer in his/her area becomes available. To register as a client, call 410-313-5980.
Did It Snow On
Trash Day? If it snows on your trash day, put your trash out for collection as usual before 6am. If trash collection has been canceled for the day,
the trash contractors will pick up trash the next work day if roads are passable.
Recycling Day? If it snows on your Recycling day, and recycling has been canceled for the day, recycled will be picked up the following week. To
find out if trash or cycling collections were canceled for the day, call 410-313-SORT (7678).
Please be patient

2015 Maggie J. Brown Spirit of Columbia Scholarship Award!

Attention graduating seniors Are you looking for a way to make college affordable? Columbia Association is now accepting application
for the 2015 Maggie J. Brown Spirit of Columbia Scholarship Award. Up to six $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors
from local high schools who have shown a history of providing community service to benefit Columbia residents and those in the Columbia
area.
Students must live on CA-assessed property, or have a parent/guardian who works full-time on CA-assessed property. Applicants must be
graduating in May/June 2015 from an accredited public, private or parochial high school and need to have a minimum of a C cumulative
grade point average (2.0). Columbia Association employees, members of Board of Directors or family members of employees or members of
the Board of Directors are not eligible to receive the award.
Applications are available online. Completed applications must be submitted by March 15, 2015. For more information, call 410-715-3161 or
email SpiritofColumbia@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Beware of Scams During Open Enrollment Season!

The Howard County Department of Citizen Services is warning both Medicare recipients and residents who qualify for health coverage
through Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care exchanges of misleading and sometimes illegal offers of help that may crop up during open
enrollment seasons. Open enrollment for the ACA health exchange enrollment period ends February 15, 2015.
Last year, the Departments Office on Aging was alerted to insurance representatives who made illegal door-to-door cold calls to
Medicare recipients, pitching supplemental insurance that did not meet their needs. Meanwhile, the Office of Consumer Affairs learned that
misleading information about the ACA enrollment period and the penalties for failing to enroll were used to create a sense of urgency so
that consumers would make hasty and costly decisions. Many other types of scams were reported in other areas of Maryland and around
the United States. This year, the Office on Aging and the Office of Consumer Affairs have joined forces to help consumers identify and
avoid health insurance scams. Avoiding Medicare and Health Insurance Scams during Open Enrollment provides guidance on what to
look out for and how to stay safe from the most common scams. The tip sheet is available online.
Consumers looking for free, confidential and unbiased Medicare information can contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program
(SHIP) at 410-313-7392 or by e-mailing ship@howardcountymd.gov. Consumers who receive suspicious offers of help to enroll in the
exchanges can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at 410-313-6420 or by e-mail at consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

Aging in Place Home Repair Funding!

Since 2005, Columbia Association and the Howard County Office on Aging have partnered to help older adults age in place, providing
financial assistance to qualified CA homeowners who cannot otherwise pay for accessibility or repair expenses for their homes. For
more information, please see the full news release on CA's website, http://bit.ly/1iiiVAp

Homeless Gazette!
As an elected official and advocate to end homelessness, Im thrilled to partner with the Route 1 Day Resource Center to put on the Hope
for Homeless 5k. Id like to share with you the Homeless Gazette which highlights stories and touching information from clients of the
Day Center that I hope you find inspiring. I hope you will consider contributing to the Day Center and to their cause in their future. You
can find the latest November 2014 edition here and view the archive editions here. Here is a list of their needs if youre able to donate.

Recreation & Parks Announce Deer Management Program for 2014-2015

Howard Countys Department of Recreation & Parks has announced its fall/winter schedule of managed deer hunts. These hunts are
held in an effort to help maintain a stable, balanced white-tailed deer population in our parks where deer browsing has been shown to
reduce biodiversity. The hunting schedule is as follows but can also be accessed online. For more details, call 410-313-1675.
Blandair Park
Bow Hunting
David Force Park
Bow & Shotgun
High Ridge Park
Shotgun Hunting
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
Bow & Shotgun
Schooley Mill Park
Shotgun Hunting
West Friendship Park (Wounded Soldiers Hunt)
Bow & Shotgun
Wincopin Trail
Bow Hunting
SHARPSHOOTING
Alpha Ridge Landfill and Park
Belmont Park
Blandair Park
Daniels Mill Overlook
Fulton South Park
Governors Run Open Space
Gray Rock Farms Open Space
Hollifield Farm
Meadowbrook Park
Mt Hebron Open Space
Rivers Edge Open Space
Robinson Nature Center
Rockburn Branch Park
Savage Park
Timbers at Troy Golf Course
Worthington Park

February 4
January 28
January 14
January 8 and 22; February 5 and 19
January 7, 15, 21 and 29
February 11
February 12
March 9
February 26 and March 5
January 12 and February 23
January 26 and February 9
February 2 & 17
January 26 & February 9
January 12 & February 23
January 26 and February 9
December 22
January 26 and February 9
January 5 and March 2
January 5 and March 2
February 26 and March 5
February 2 & 17
February 26 and March 5
December 22

Free Financial Coaching!

A new program, MyBudgetCoach, was launched in Howard County by MakingChange in partnership with Maryland CASH Campaign and helps
working families and individuals improve their ability to budget and make well-informed financial decisions. Understanding the importance of
budgeting is generally recognized as the first step in successful financial planning. Participants meet with a trained volunteer coach once a month
for 12 monthly sessions. Budgeting techniques, financial management and goal attainment strategies are included. Participants and coaches use
on-line tools to track progress in real-time.
Contact the MyBudgetCoach Relationship Manager, Leslie Petak, at petakl@makingchangecenter.org if you are interested in participating in the
program. MakingChange provides group seminars and personal coaching to teach people to manage their money and change their lives. Its
programs are offered in schools, human service agencies and businesses. For more information, visit www.makingchangecenter.org.
6

Calling All Youth and Teens!

Get involved and be a part of the solution. Have fun and make new friends! Columbia Associations Teen and Middle School Advisory
Committee is now seeking young individuals to attend monthly meetings and help get involved in their community by planning, organizing
and implementing positive programs and activities for their peers.
High School Students (Ages 13-19) and Middle School Students (Ages 11-13) are invited to call 410-992-3726 or email
CATeens@ColumbiaAssociation.org to sign-up. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month 6:30-8pm at the Youth & Teen Center & The
Barn in the Village of Oakland Mills, 5853 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia.

Exciting Youth Opportunities to Stay Active and Involved!

One of my missions is to provide awareness of programs within Howard County that provide a positive outlet for our youth. This allows
them to channel their inner talent and participate in positive activities. Listed below you will find helpful links for parents and youth. I
encourage you to share this information with friends, families, neighbors and most importantly, your children.
4H Club: For youth grades 3+. Meets 2nd Friday of the month at The Other Barn 3:30-5pm. Call 410-992-3726 for more info
Art Attack: Creative after-school enrichment program from the Columbia Art Center. Meets 1st and 2nd Mondays. Registration/Fees may apply.
Call 410-992-3726.
Columbia Teen Center
410-992-3726
Howard County Library
www.hclibrary.org/index.php?page=22
Voices For Change http://hcv4c.org/ or email MMekelburg7@verizon.net

Make a Difference in a Students Life A-Ok Mentors Needed!

A-OK (Assist Our Kids) Mentoring-Tutoring, Inc. is now recruiting adult volunteers to be mentor-tutors to HCPSS students who need extra
support and encouragement to succeed. Volunteers meet with students individually or in small groups, during the school day and in after
school programs. A-OK seeks dependable community members who can commit to one hour/week for one school year.
Participating elementary schools are: Atholton, Bryant Woods, Cradlerock, Deep Run, Forest Ridge, Guilford, Longfellow, Phelps Luck,
Running Brook and Stevens Forest. There are also limited opportunities to meet with older students. For more info, call Chaya Kaplan at
aokmentor@gmail.com or call 410-730-6030.

Scholarships For Students!

As an educator, I know the value and importance of education. I also know that many families often struggle with financing the dream. Below is a sample of
scholarships available. I encourage your students to apply early.
GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 8, 2015; Award: $10,000 renewable for up to $40,000
Description: For HS seniors with leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship who embody the characteristics of President Ronald Reagan at school, in the
community, in the work place and at home. Strong academic performance and financial need are required. Apply online at
www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships

Towson University Fischer Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 1, 2015; Award: Full cost of in-state tuition and fees. Renewable for up to 4 years.
Description: The Jess & Mildred Fisher College of Science & Math offers 2 scholarships for students committed to a major in a program housed in the Fisher
College of Science and Mathematics. Complete application form (available online), personal statement, submit HS transcript, SAT/ACT scores and two
letters of recommendation.

Roanoke College Scholars Program

Deadline: 1/5/15 for February; Award: $190,000 over four years
Description: Be a prospective college freshman seeking first-time fall enrollment. You must also be accepted to the College prior to the competition.
Students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in a rigorous academic curriculum should consider applying for the Scholars Program
Specific Focus: Roanoke College (www.roanoke.edu/scholars)

National Co-op Scholarship Program

Deadline: 2/15/15 ; Award: Varies
Description: Encourages minority and female students as well as students interested in STEM to apply for this merit co-op scholarship. 3.5 of better GPA,
completed application and a 200 word essay. Application to a WACE Partner Institution: Clarkson Univ, Drexel Univ., Johnson & Wales Univ., Kettering
Univ., Merrimack College, Rochester Institute of Tech., SUNY Oswego, Univ. of Cincinnati, Univ. of Mass. Lowell, Univ. of Toledo, Wentworth Institute of
Tech. Complete application online. Early applications highly encouraged.
Specific focus: WACE Partner Institutions. Minority, female, STEM.
Contact: www.waceinc.org, Marty Ford at marty_ford@uml.edu

Financial Assistance Corner

We are experiencing an unprecedented economic recession and while Howard County may be consistently identified as one of the
wealthiest counties in the United States, our residents and families are feeling the squeeze of this economic crisis. I receive a lot of calls to
my office asking for referrals and county assistance so I wanted to take a moment and dedicate a section in my Newsletter identifying
resources to help our residents save money.
TAX CREDITS: The most quick and efficient way to reduce your expenses is to consider the tax credits available to you as Howard
County residents. For your convenience, I have listed examples below as well as their respective online application; however you can
find a complete list and instructions on how to apply at http://countyofhowardmd.us/Services.aspx?id=6442458618 or by calling 410313-4076. Please note that some of these credits are based upon fund availability, so please contact the office directly for the most upto-date information.
Livable Home Tax Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442460435
Senior Tax Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=1492
Homeowners Tax Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=1558
Homestead Tax Credit: http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/homestead.html
Energy Conservation Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442455147
Daycare Provider Tax Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442460435
Amatuer Sports Athletic Fields Property Tax Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442460435
Surviving Spouse of Fallen Law Enforcement Officer or Rescue Worker: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442460435
Community Associations Tax Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442460435
Renovation of Historic Property Tax Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442460435
Trash Collection Fee Credit: http://countyofhowardmd.us/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=6442460435

Reverse Mortgage Counseling to Residents 62 and Older!

The Howard County Office on Aging, through Maryland Access Point (MAP), is offering Reverse Mortgage Counseling to Maryland
residents ages 62 and older who are considering this as an option. The counseling is targeted to seniors who may be able to pay for their
everyday expenses but are struggling to cover the costs of health care, home repairs and modifications, increased property taxes and
other unexpected expenses.
To schedule a counseling session or learn more about the costs and features of a reverse mortgage, call MAP of Howard Countys toll free
number: 1-800-506-5806.

In Need of Crisis Intervention?

Grassroots is a private, non-profit agency serving Howard County and Central Maryland which empowers people in crisis to make
positive changes by offering professional 24-hour crisis intervention, shelter and outreach services. They provide programs and services
including a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline, Maryland Crisis Hotline, Walk-in Counseling, Mobile Crisis Team, Suicide Prevention,
outreach and education, a 33-bed Family Shelter, an 18-bed Mens Shelter, a Motel Shelter, Cold Weather Shelter and Day Resource Center.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Inc. is located at 6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD 21044. For more information, please call 410531-6006 or visit their website online at www.grassrootscrisis.org. The 24-hour line is 410-531-6677 and the MD Crisis Hotline is 1-800-4220009.

MD Housing Rehabilitation Program for Homeowners!

HC Housing is accepting applications for the MD Housing Rehabilitation Program for Single Family (MHRP-SF).
Applications are available at Housings office in the Gateway Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, 3rd floor in
Columbia.
MHRP-SF is a housing rehabilitation program that preserves and improves single family properties with an emphasis on
bringing eligible properties into compliance with applicable building codes and standards. Its designed to address priority
home maintenance items, such as: correcting exterior or interior deficiencies; making accessibility modifications; correcting
health and safety violations; improving the homes weatherization and energy conservation; and correcting lead-based paint
violations. General improvements, such as small home additions, alterations and carpeting, fences and landscaping, and
kitchen, bathroom and closet remodeling, may be considered for financing as well, if all priority home maintenance items are
in good condition or have been previously renovated. Swimming pools and recreational facilities are considered luxury
items and not eligible.
For more information, contact Deborah Gillen at 410-313-3508 DGillen@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County Safety Helpful Hints!

Experiencing an Emergency? Dial 9-1-1

Want to report an incident, non-emergency? Call 410-313-2200
Need to report drug activity? Call 410-290-3784 or email ACunningham@howardcountymd.gov
Want to make an anonymous tip (e.g. child abuse, violence, gangs, gambling, school incidents, underage drinking, damage to
property etc.)? Call 410-313-7867 or email GangTips@howardcountymd.gov
Want to report gun crimes? Call 410-313-7867 or email CToler@howardcountymd.gov.
Do you need Victim Assistance? Call 410-313-3712 or email KMasterson@howardcountymd.gov
Interested in a FREE Home Security Survey? Call 410-313-4795 and leave a message to make an appointment. For more info, call the
Special Operations Bureau at 410-313-3758 or visit http://www.howardcountymd.gov/aboutpolice.htm
Want to start a Neighborhood Watch? Call the Community Services Section at 410-313-4780.
Looking to prevent Auto Theft? Helpful tips available online.
Want to report an animal cruelty incidence or report unwanted pets, endangered animals, etc.? Call 410-313-2780, email
animalcontrol@howarcountymd.gov or visit http://www.howardcountymd.gov/animalcontrol.htm
Are speeders in your neighborhood? Consider the SMART Program initiative.
Interested in a Police Ride-Along? Call 410-313-2208 for an application
Need a HCPD Spanish line? Call 410-313-7807.
Interested in volunteering with the HCPD? Call 410-313-2255
Interesting in HCPD Recruitment? Call 410-313-4273.

Alzheimers Support Groups in Howard County!

Howard County proudly offers several Alzheimers Support Groups at various locations throughout the County during days and times
that are geared at accommodating the needs of those impacted by Alzheimers. Pre-screening is required. For support group locations
in Howard County, click here. For more information on the Alzheimers Association, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit
www.alz.org/maryland.

Guaranteed Ride Home Comes to Howard County!

A program that gives a FREE ride home to commuters who travel to work via mass transit, car-pooling or walking at least twice a week is
coming to Howard County. Guaranteed Ride Home offers regular commuters a free ride home in a taxi or rental car up to four times a
year and is funded by the Maryland Department of Transportation.
To be eligible to participate in the program, commuters must register online or call 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).

Start a Neighborhood Watch Program in Your Community!

The Neighborhood Watch Program involves the joint efforts of the Howard County Police Department
and the community which is designed to enhance neighborhood security, heighten the communitys
power of observation and encourage mutual assistance and concern among neighbors.
For more information, please contact the Howard County Police Department at 410-313-2200.

Foreign Born Information and Referral Network!

The Foreign Born Information and Referral Network, 5999 Harpers Farm Road, Suite 200-E in Columbia needs Spanish-speaking
volunteers to greet clients, answer basic questions, make appointments and support the staff. Hours are 9am-1pm or 1-5pm Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Other times may be considered. For more information, call 410-992-1923 x 14.

Recycling Dos And Donts!

Ever wondered what is considered recyclable and what is not? You may be surprised to find out. For a complete list, click here or call
410-313-6444. If it snows on your recycling day and recycling has been cancelled for the day, recyclables may be picked up on a slide
schedule. For the most up-to-date information, call 410-313-7678 or go online.
ADD

Give the Gift of Independence!

Neighbor Ride launched its volunteer-based transportation service in 2004 with the mission to decrease isolation and improve the quality of
life for Howard Countys older residents. Today, its dedicated volunteers provide an average of 1,000 trips per month for medical
appointments, shopping, social outings, personal care and business, religious services, volunteer activities and other day-to-day needs.
YOU can give seniors the gift of independence by volunteering as a Neighbor Ride driver. Flexible and rewarding daytime, evening and
weekend opportunities are available. No set schedule is required. Drivers simply choose to provide rides that are convenient to their homes,
offices and daily routines. Parent volunteers are welcome and encouraged to bring their children along for a wonderful experience. Please
contact Patrice Cerwonka, Colleen Konstanzer or Rosemary Noble at 410-884-RIDE (7433) or email volunteer@neighborride.org for more
information.

Transparency in Our Government!

If you believe there has been an instance of fraud, waste, and/or abuse in our government, we want to hear from you! Allegations of
Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Howard County Government should be submitted to the Howard County Auditors Office. All
submittals are encrypted and password protected for security. We treat all allegations in a confidential matter and well do our very
best to safeguard your identity!
To report an allegation, visit http://cc.howardcountymd.gov/Auditor/Online-Form-to-Report-Fraud-Waste-and-Abuse. If you do not
wish to disclose your identity, you may remain anonymous; however, you should be aware that remaining anonymous may preclude
a thorough investigation of your allegation due to insufficient information.
For more information, email hcaudit@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-2005.

View the Councils Current Legislation and Calendar and Stay Informed!
The County Council is responsible for adopting laws within Howard County. The legislative progress generally follows a monthly
cycle. A calendar of upcoming meetings can be found online.

I Want to Hear From You!

This is your opportunity to stay informed and get involved! Your comments are always welcome as the
County Council reviews legislation. You may testify in person or simply submit your testimony by email to
Councilmail@howardcountymd.gov or fax 410-313-3297.
All legislative public hearings will take place in the Board of Education, Board Room A, 10910 Route 108,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.

Dr. Calvin Ball

Howard County Council
District 2
Email Me
3430 Courthouse Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043

Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and

collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved
~ Mattie Stepanek

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